EU Right to Repair Directive

Overview

The EU Right to Repair Directive, Directive (EU) 2024/1799, was adopted in 2024 to promote the repair of consumer goods and reduce premature disposal. Member states must transpose it into national law. It is part of the EU's circular-economy agenda and complements ecodesign and consumer-protection rules. For software and connected-device makers, it is increasingly relevant because modern products combine hardware with firmware and software that can affect repairability.

The directive aims to make repair easier, more transparent, and more affordable, both within and beyond the legal guarantee period, and to counter practices that discourage repair.

Who It Applies To

The directive applies to manufacturers, and where the manufacturer is outside the EU, to importers or authorized representatives and ultimately distributors, of goods covered by EU repairability requirements. It affects producers of household appliances, electronics, and other goods that fall under relevant product rules, including those with embedded software. It benefits consumers seeking repair within the EU.

Key Requirements

Manufacturers must repair goods covered by repairability requirements on request, even after the legal guarantee, at a reasonable price and within a reasonable time. They must provide spare parts and repair-related information to independent repairers and consumers, and must not use contractual, hardware, or software techniques to obstruct independent repair, such as preventing the use of compatible or second-hand spare parts. The directive also establishes a European repair information form and a national online matchmaking platform to help consumers find repairers.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Member states set penalties for infringements, which must be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive, and designate enforcement authorities. Consequences can include fines and orders to comply. Because the directive is transposed nationally, specific penalty levels and procedures vary by country.

How to Comply

Manufacturers should ensure spare-parts availability and reasonable repair pricing, publish repair information, and avoid software or design practices that block legitimate repair, including supporting software updates that do not impede repairability. Prepare repair information forms, integrate with national repair platforms where required, and track each member state's transposing legislation for specific obligations.